Kansas State defensive back Ty Zimmerman and Oklahoma offensive lineman Gabe Ikard were named candidates for the 2013 Senior CLASS Award in collegiate football.

Zimmerman obtained his bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2013 and is pursuing a master’s degree. He has participated in Read to Achieve, Adopt-a-Family, Special Olympics Sports Clinic, and Retirement Center visits. The senior also received four preseason college football award nominations (Bednarik, Nagurski, Thorpe and Lott IMPACT). Zimmerman is a three-time All-Big 12 selection.

Ikard graduated in May 2013 with a 4.0 GPA and currently is pursuing a graduate degree in administrative leadership. He has been selected as a team captain for two consecutive years and participated in many activities to help the community, including frequent visits to Oklahoma City’s Children’s Hospital. Ikard was named to the 2013 preseason watch lists for the Lombardi, Outland and Rimington trophies. He was a consensus preseason All-America selection and a preseason first-team All-Big 12 selection.

Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School® or CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages student-athletes to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I FBS senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.

The 30 candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists midway through the regular season and one candidate will be announced during the football bowl season in early January.